Independent probe to look into Pikitup recruitment process, says COJ's Brink

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg city manager, Floyd Brink, said there would be an independent investigation into allegations of nepotism and corruption tainting the Pikitup recruitment process.

Contract workers downed tools last week, calling for permanent employment and levelling allegations of dodgy dealings against the entity.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Brink said he had called for an independent investigator to be appointed over the matter.

"I’ve been informed by the managing director that by this afternoon, the independent investigator will be appointed and they will be working on tight timelines in order for us to be able to close this particular matter and provide that feedback and for us to then ensure that we resolve this."

Brink said action would be taken against any wrongdoers identified.

He also said action would be taken against striking workers found to have fallen foul of the law or the city’s policies during this strike.

"I must emphasise this is to ensure that whilst the rights of our employees to protest are protected, so we are emphasising that the rights of our employees to protest are protected, these rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and without destroying any of our assets and infrastructure of the city."